You can now submit Codex tasks from your phone even if your Mac is locked.

      OpenAI / X

      OpenAI’s Codex application for Mac has just received a significant upgrade, making it feel futuristic. You can now send tasks to Codex from your phone, allowing it to utilize apps on your Mac, even when the screen is off and the computer is locked.

      One major drawback of AI agents like Claude Cowork or OpenAI Codex is that they require your Mac to be unlocked and operational to function. This presents a significant security concern that would deter most users from taking advantage of these features. With the latest update to Codex, OpenAI appears to have addressed this problem.

      A post on X from OpenAI Developers showcased a locked Mac with an overlay stating, “Codex is Using Your Mac”.

      How does it work?

      To enable this feature, you must install the Computer Use plugin and provide the necessary permissions for it to operate. You can find the locked computer usage setting by navigating to Codex → Settings → Computer Use.

      Now Codex can operate from anywhere, regardless of whether your Mac is unlocked. From your phone, Codex can safely access apps on your Mac, even when the screen is off and locked.

      After activation, you can send tasks from your phone to your Mac, even in its locked state. When Codex receives a task that requires access after the Mac has locked, it will unlock the computer momentarily in the background while keeping the display secure.

      If it detects any interaction with the keyboard or mouse, it will immediately relock the Mac and pause the automatic unlocking until you log in manually. This provides a useful safety feature if your computer is in a location accessed by others.

      Should you be concerned about security?

      OpenAI has implemented several safety measures. Each unlocking is brief and limited to the current Codex task. Additionally, Codex obscures the display while your desktop is briefly unlocked, preventing prying eyes from seeing your screen.

      You maintain control throughout the process, as Codex requests permission before launching any new app, and you can cancel the task or regain control of your computer at any time. There’s also an “Always allow” option for apps you completely trust.

      In terms of availability, this feature is not accessible in the European Economic Area, the UK, or Switzerland at launch. It also cannot automate Terminal applications, Codex itself, or any administrative system prompts.

      OpenAI has integrated sufficient protective measures to satisfy the majority of users. Whether you choose to trust it for usage is entirely up to you.

      Rachit is an experienced technology journalist with over seven years in the consumer technology sector.

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